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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida lawmakers gear up to address AI concerns
As artificial intelligence technology advances, so do concerns about its misuse. In the lead-up to Florida’s 2024 legislative session, which begins Jan. 9, this is clear from the bills filed over the use of AI-manipulated media. For instance, one proposal (HB 757) would make several changes to defamation law, including allowing someone to sue if content made or modified by artificial intelligence leads a viewer to believe something false about a person that’s “highly offensive.” Meanwhile, another measure (SB 850) would require disclaimers on political advertisements that use AI content. More from the Gainesville Sun and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
‘We are booming:’ St. Augustine sees boost in tourism, economy since height of pandemic
Following three long years of COVID restrictions, tourism has rebounded and is back boosting the St. Augustine economy. The Ancient City has seen its tourism revenue double since the height of the pandemic. The Covid pandemic not only impacted public health, but it virtually shut down tourism in many areas. But numbers now show St. Augustine has doubled its tourism numbers since 2020. More from Action News Jax.
Miami Seaquarium refutes USDA report that claimed animal safety concerns
The Miami Seaquarium is speaking out following a scathing USDA inspection report suggesting the facility is ill-equipped to care for its animals. The executive director for the company that owns the facility says it has filed an appeal with the USDA and Miami-Dade County. In November, the county gave the Dolphin Company 45 days to address the concerns or risk having the Seaquarium’s lease terminated. More from NBC Miami.
Lakeland approves plans for solar farm near Florida Polytechnic University
Lakeland officials have given the greenlight to what could be one of the largest solar installations in Florida. The City Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit to allow for the development of a nearly 1,400-acre solar power generation facility by Williams Acquisitions Holding Company LLC near Florida Polytechnic University. More from the Lakeland Ledger.
City of Orlando will take lead on Pulse memorial, launch new fund
The onePulse Foundation sent its final email to stakeholders Monday evening, confirming the city of Orlando will lead the construction of a memorial to the Pulse nightclub tragedy. In a letter to survivors and family members of victims of the 2016 terror attack, the onePulse Foundation said communication will from now on come from the city as it pushes to build a memorial on South Orange Avenue where 49 people died in a mass shooting. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
The power of value
At Tampa Electric, value means offering our customers innovative solutions that benefit all the communities we serve with an emphasis on affordability, reliability and sustainability. We have a vision to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To reach this goal, we’re investing in plant modernization and renewable energy pilot projects. [Sponsored report]
Out of the Box
Iguanas beware! FAU student says he built the better lizard trap
Pierce Kennamer grew up in Cincinnati. A future in trapping iguanas isn’t quite what he’d imagined for himself. But throw in South Florida and its bustling wildlife scene, and there you have it: Kennamer’s launch into the world of environmental solutions, as he likes to call it.
» More from the Palm Beach Post.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Kumbaya
St. Johns County is celebrating the history and achievements of the Gullah Geechee community, along with a decade of its annual festival. Over more than 450 years, the West and Central African influence on the communities of Spuds, Elkton and Armstrong, located in southwestern St. Johns County, helped shape the region’s culture and economy.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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